Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reports that a magnitude-4.5 earthquake struck just after 8:15 p.m. July 9 off the west coast of the Big Island, located 34 miles west-southwest of Captain Cook at a depth of 24 miles below sea level.
It had no apparent impact on either Mauna Loa or Kīlauea volcanoes.
The depth and location of the temblor indicate it is another lithospheric flexure earthquake related to bending of the ocean crust and upper brittle mantle — the lithosphere — because of the weight of the islands.
No impact to the ongoing episodic summit eruption of Kīlauea volcano is expected and no tsunami was generated. Aftershocks are possible in the coming days to weeks.
Hawaiian Volcano Observatory continues to monitor Hawaiian volcanoes for any changes.
There were 275 “Felt Reports” within the first hour after the quake, with light shaking reported. The earthquake was felt in locations around the Big Island and as far away as O‘ahu.
No damage to buildings or infrastructure was expected based on the temblor’s intensity.
Find additional information about the earthquake at the U.S. Geological Survey National Earthquake Information Center website. You can also visit the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory website to view the observatory’s interactive earthquake map.
